The 25 Best Wedding Gifts for Parents to Thank Them for Their Love and Support

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Brides / Chloe Jeong

If your parents (and your partner’s parents) have been an integral part of the wedding planning process, it’s only fitting to give them a token of your appreciation. The best wedding gifts for parents don't need to be crazy elaborate—thoughtfulness and a sweet sentiment go a long way here. Consider finding an item that can be personalized, used on your wedding day, or that can offer them an experience—like a spa coupon or gift card to their favorite restaurant. It's also nice to go with a present that taps into their particular interests or hobbies.

For expert insight into finding the perfect wedding gifts for parents, we consulted Darcy Jusich and Kate Hayes, gifting experts and co-founders of Happy Cabbage. “For dads who can’t wait to take their tuxedo shoes off on the dance floor, custom sneakers are great and can be further personalized with embroidery," they tell Brides. "Beautiful jewelry or a clutch that moms can wear to the wedding and beyond is a nice way to remember the event every time they wear them."

Similarly, you can also pick personalized or experiential gifts for your in-laws on this occasion. Jusich and Hayes recommend paying for your mother-in-law's hair or makeup or gifting your father-in-law a bottle of his favorite libation.

To help you give your parents something special for the wedding day, we researched wedding gifts for parents with specific key features in mind–including thoughtfulness, personalization options, and uniqueness, to name a few. For something they can use long after the wedding day, the Morning Joy Co Recipe Cutting Board and the Williams Sonoma Gardening Seat and Tool Kit are both foolproof picks. Or, make the wedding day gift exchange even more heartfelt with the Sew Happy Girls Father of the Bride Tie Patch and the Kismet Weddings Co Wedding Card to My Parents.

Meet the Expert

Darcy Jusich and Kate Hayes are gifting experts and co-founders of Happy Cabbage. As a custom gifting boutique in Chicago, Happy Cabbage offers unique, personalized gifts and gift baskets for every occasion. 

Read on for the best wedding gifts for parents.

ThePolkaDottedBee Wedding Handkerchief Gift for Parents

The Polka Dotted Bee Wedding Handkerchief Gift for Parents

Etsy

Both practical and personal, these sweet embroidered handkerchiefs are great for wiping away those (happy!) wedding day tears. With options available for mom and dad, you can either choose from preset messages or get creative and write your own for a personal touch. The handkerchiefs are made from cotton, and you have the option of choosing straight, scalloped, or lace edges. Even better, it comes packaged in a sweet little gift box, so you don't even have to worry about wrapping it yourself.

Sew Happy Girls Father of the Bride Tie Patch

Sew Happy Girls Father of the Bride Tie Patch

Etsy

Write a short and sweet love note to your dad and have it embroidered onto this hand-stitched patch. Made of ivory linen fabric, you choose the size, text, and embroidery thread color. Each patch includes easy instructions to attach it, so you can gift it pre-attached to his wedding day tie. It’s a great way to remind him that you’ll always be his little girl as he walks you down the aisle.

Hearth and Table Co. Personalized Wooden Spoon Set

Hearth and Table Co. Personalized Wooden Spoon Set

Etsy

If your future in-laws love to cook, this personalized spoon and spatula set is sure to please. One spoon features your names and wedding date, while the other has a sweet thank you message. Both are wood-burned, chef-grade utensils that are sure to last for years to come. Each package comes equipped with care instructions and a recipe card, so make sure to choose the appropriate dietary preferences.

Morning Joy Co. Custom Recipe Cutting Board

This handmade, personalized cutting board is the perfect way to capture that signature recipe your parents or in-laws are known for. Made from high-quality wood, this cutting board can be made with maple, hickory, cherry, sapele, or walnut finishes. You can also choose whether or not to engrave a single side, both sides, or opt for no engraving at all. The recipe is laser-engraved, replicating even particular handwriting. It measures 9 x 16 inches, including the handle, and it's treated with food-safe oil so it can be used for cooking prep or kept as a keepsake to display.

Minted Custom House Letterpress Portrait Art

Minted Custom House Letterpress Portrait Art With Text

Minted

Upload a photo of your parent's home—perhaps your childhood house or the home where your parents lived when they first got married—and Minted’s designers will turn it into a beautiful letterpressed work of art. You get to choose the size, frame, and printed color of the house, and you can add custom text to the bottom as well. The brand displays an address and caption about the home, but you can write something else entirely if you prefer. Overall, it makes for a truly memorable, heart-warming present.

Re'Me.Di.Um Small Candle Bowl

SMALL CANDLE BOWL

Re' Medium

Everyone loves a good candle, and this one is like four candles in one! Four wicks are presented in a stunning hand-crafted porcelain glazed ceramic bowl for a piece of decor that's almost too pretty to burn. Available in a plethora of tantalizing scents, such as Sealsalt & Orchid or Eucalyptus & White Tea, your parents will love adding this to their coffee table or nightstand for some post-wedding relaxation.

Aromaology Spa Gift Basket

Aromaology Spa Gift Basket

Etsy

Ideal for your mom or mother-in-law, this all-in-one basket comes with everything she needs to help unwind and relax after all the wedding hubbub has died down. Namely, a massage oil, soy candle, salt scrub, and aromatherapy sachet that is available in eight different fragrances. It all comes wrapped up in a reusable burlap box, ready for gifting.

ScreenCraft Gifts Your Neighborhood Map Wood Serving Tray

ScreenCraft Gifts Your Neighborhood Map Wood Serving Tray

ScreenCraft Gifts

This custom map serving tray offers a pretty, practical, and unique gift for your parents or in-laws. Simply choose a significant location (your childhood home, wedding location, you name it), and the brand will print a three-mile radius map onto the burnt mango wood surface of the tray. You can also opt to buy it in a set with matching coasters or the brand's cast-iron display easel if you think they'd rather display it instead.

Uncommon Goods Personalized Family Member Signpost

default image

If your parents or in-laws are all about their lawn decor, gift them this adorable signpost. It keeps everyone symbolically together, showcasing their distance from your original family home. With an oxidized steel finish that patinas over time and a weather-resistant finish, it’s a great addition to their garden or backyard.

Kismet Weddings Co Wedding Card to My Parents

Kismet Weddings Co Wedding Card to My Parents

Etsy

A handwritten note can go quite a long way, and this simple yet elegant notecard is blank on the outside, giving you plenty of space to express yourself and your gratitude. The card itself comes in an off-white hue, though you can choose from any one of eight envelope colors. If you feel one card isn't enough for both of your parents, you can also opt for individual cards dedicated to each of them. Give this alone or pair it with another gift to give them on your wedding day.

Lands' End Suede Leather Moccasin Slippers

Lands' End Men's Suede Leather Moccasin Slippers

Lands' End

Everyone loves a good pair of cozy slippers, and these certainly fit the bill. A faux fur lining makes them nice and soft, foam cushioning brings relief to achy feet, and a rubber outsole means you can even wear them for quick trips outside. We love that they can be monogrammed for an added personal touch, and they come in options for both him and her in a variety of colors so you can give your parents or in-laws a matching set.

Mouth The Best of “Mouth” Monthly Subscription Club

Mouth The Best of “Mouth” Monthly Subscription Club

Mouth

If you're parents or in-laws are total foodies, gift them this monthly subscription of delicacies. Each gift box from Mouth features an expertly curated collection of yummy goods from small brands across the country—think rich chocolate bars, cocktail mixers, pickled fruits and veggies, hot sauces, and more. You can choose between a three-month, six-month, and 12-month subscription with a mid-month delivery.

For your parent or in-law who likes to cook, try this fill-in recipe journal and start creating a family heirloom. There are template pages for writing down over 80 recipes as well as adding photos. We also love that it has helpful cooking guides, tips, and a conversion table. The book is cloth-covered, and it feels very high-quality. Overall, this is a stunning gift they can create, cherish, and pass on for generations.

Williams Sonoma Gardening Seat & Tool Kit

Williams Sonoma Gardening Seat & Tool Kit

Williams Sonoma

If your parents or in-laws are the types who are always out in the garden or are renowned for their green thumb, a gardening gift like this one is the way to go. A lightweight stool, convenient storage tote, and five high-quality steeled tools meet all of their planting needs. The seat can support up to 250 pounds, and all the tools have durable eucalyptus handles. The storage bag can be removed from the seat, and it includes pockets for each of the tools and an extra pocket for other belongings.

Dope Coffee Pleasure Pack

Dope Coffee Pleasure Pack

Dope Coffee

This artisanal, small brand coffee is a surefire gift for any java lover. Seeking to eliminate the stereotypical pretentiousness around high-end coffee, this package from Dope comes with three of their staple coffees, and each two-ounce pack makes three cups. You can choose between whole and ground beans, and you can even set up a subscription for your parents or in-laws so they never run out of their new favorite brew.

Sheets & Giggles Sheet Set

Sheets & Giggles 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet Set

Amazon

You may have just registered for new bedding, but we’re willing to bet it’s been a while since your parents or in-laws sprung for new sheets. They’ll definitely appreciate this set from Sheets & Giggles, which is made from renewably and sustainably grown Eucalyptus. The result? A buttery soft and smooth feel. Plus, they're cooling, anti-static, and made with zero pesticides. The set is available in 11 different colors, and it comes with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.

Soothe E-Gift Card

Soothe Shop E-Gift Card

Soothe

There’s nothing quite like a massage to help unwind after all of the wedding planning is over, and with this gift card, your parents or in-laws won’t even have to leave the house. The on-demand service brings masseuses to your home or even office. They can also opt to buy some equipment or skincare to continue the spa experience on their own. You can load the gift card with as little as $50 and up to $1,000.

Susabella Mother of the Bride Gift Box Jewelry Keepsake Box

Susabella, Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom Gift,

Amazon

Made of earthenware clay, this heart-shaped box will make a beautiful addition to your mother's nightstand or dresser. A heartfelt message printed on the inside will make her smile and think of you every time she opens it. It’s a sweet and simple gift that’s also a nice option for those on a budget.

Artblox Shop Sound Wave Art

Artblox Soundwave Art With Scannable Qr Code

Etsy

A unique way to capture the memory of your father-daughter dance, this acrylic block can be printed with the sound wave of any song. Choose your color and personalized text at the bottom; you can even add a barcode on the back that your dad can scan to hear your song anytime he wants.

Mark & Graham Belmont Picnic Basket

Mark & Graham Belmont Picnic Basket, Set for 4

Mark & Graham

Why not give your parents something fun they can do after the wedding festivities are said and done, like a relaxing picnic in the park? This high-quality woven wicker basket features porcelain plates, four sets of stainless steel flatware, four wine glasses, and a stainless steel corkscrew. With this chic basket, their next picnic will look as good as it tastes!

Image 3D Create Your Own Reel Viewer

Amazon Uncommon Goods Create Your Own Reel Viewer

Amazon

Help your parents relive the special day by collecting all your favorite wedding photos and putting them in this nifty reel viewer. Just pop in your made-to-order viewer and your parents can click through all of the meaningful moments from walking you down the aisle to speaking at your reception.

Airbnb Gift Card

Airbnb Experience Gift Card

 Amazon

After helping you plan your wedding and celebrating your big day (not to mention raising you!), your parents deserve a vacation. Treat them to an Airbnb Gift Card so they can take a relaxing weekend sans the cost of accommodations. They're sure to appreciate it the gesture (and the much-needed R&R).

Label With Love In Law Wine Labels

Label With Love In Law Wine Labels

Etsy

There’s perhaps no better thank-you gift than a nice bottle of wine, but adding this custom label makes it feel all the more personal and special. Choose your in-law’s favorite bottle of red or white, then customize this label with your wedding date and a personalized message. They come in a set of two, so you and your spouse can each gift your respective in-laws.

Minted Classic Snap Custom Photo Art

Classic Snap

Minted

It might seem simple, but there's just something incredibly special about a beautifully framed photo. A part of the exclusive minted + BRIDES Gifts Collection, this personalized frame features a photo of your choice and a personal message. Fill it with a photo of you and your parents on the wedding day for a special memento of the occasion.

The Bouqs Co. Love You A Latte Bouquet

Love You A Latte

Bouqs

When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It's a sweet way to say thank you for everything your parents have done for you. This "Love You a Latte" option is made with white mums, peach roses, and berries that are sure to put a smile on their face.

What to Look for in Wedding Gifts for Parents


Something personalized

Simple, custom touches like a monogram or embroidered name can make a standard gift feel more special and unique. Make sure to allow a little extra time for customization when you place an order for a personalized gift. We especially love the Minted Custom House Letterpress Portrait Art and the ThePolkaDottedBee Wedding Handkerchief Gift for Parents.


A gift they can use on the day of the wedding

A practical gift that they can either wear or use on the day of the wedding will always be appreciated. In addition to thoughtful keepsakes, it can be a nice idea to gift your parents a custom box or gift bag filled with treats and drink to help get them through the big day. For example, the Sew Happy Girls Father of the Bride Tie Patch makes an excellent wedding day-worthy gift for the bride's dad.

An experiential gift

Think beyond tangible gifts, and give the parents involved an experience, either something they can do on their own, as a couple, or together with you and your spouse as a family. A gift card to one of their favorite restaurants, a guided outdoors excursion, or a cooking class that they can enjoy together are all great options.

FAQ
  • What are some other unique gift ideas for parents?

    “A hot shave the morning of or the day before the wedding is a great activity for dad, while a nice facial or massage is the perfect way to thank mom,” say Jusich and Hayes. For a special moment at the reception, ask the band or DJ to play your parents' and in-laws' first dance from their weddings to dance to at your wedding, they suggest. 

  • What are good gift ideas for in-laws?

    The same ideas apply to both parents and in-laws. You can also pay for your mother-in-law’s hair or makeup, or gift your father-in-law a beautiful bottle of his favorite libation, suggest Jusich and Hayes. 

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s also a bride-to-be, currently planning her own wedding (and debating what to get the parents involved). 

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